At IGS, our commitment to sustainability has gained significant momentum through a series of targeted initiatives aimed at reducing our environmental impact. While sustainability efforts were present before, the arrival of Carmelo Fedele Head of Sustainability at IGS has energised our approach. Known for his dedication, Carmelo actively promotes sustainability and leads by example, whether that be cycling to school or spearheading innovative projects.
Our sustainability initiatives focus on key areas such as waste management, climate education, biodiversity enhancement and energy efficiency. We began with comprehensive waste audits to assess our resource management, which has allowed us to identify areas for improvement and engage the school community in better practices. The largest Climate Fresk in Australia was implemented to educate students and staff about the complexities of climate change. This initiative empowered students to lead discussions in this space, fostering a collaborative learning environment.
In partnership with Greening Australia, we’ve planted native species around our campus, enhancing local biodiversity and creating a greener school environment. Additionally, plans for solar panel installations are underway, which are set to reduce our carbon footprint and energy consumption.
We’ve seen a marked shift in attitudes towards sustainability among students and staff, particularly following the Climate Fresk. As we look ahead, we are excited to collaborate with other schools and our community to create awareness, share resources and further amplify our efforts.